
Julep’s Blog

Fractional Fundraising: A Game-Changer for Small Nonprofits or Just a Trend?
The nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented challenges with high staff turnover, tight budgets, and increasing pressure to raise more with less. Enter “fractional fundraising,” a new trend that’s gaining traction among fundraisers and development officers to stretch resources while not sacrificing knowledge or skills. What is fractional fundraising? Is it a cost-saving shortcut, a temporary fix, or a strategic solution to a long-standing problem? Let’s explore what this model really offers, and whether it's right for your nonprofit.

Social Media Trends Nonprofits Should Watch (and Leverage) in 2025
Staying visible, and relevant, on social media requires more than just showing up. In 2025, it’s about showing up smart. For nonprofits, that means staying on top of emerging trends while staying grounded in your mission. The good news? Many of today’s trends are tailor-made for storytelling, community-building, and mobilizing action. These are all things nonprofits do best.

How to Build a Winning Nonprofit Social Media Strategy in 2025
In 2025, nonprofit organizations are facing a digital ecosystem that’s more fast-paced, fragmented, and opportunity-rich than ever. Social media isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s essential for building community, cultivating donors, and driving real-world impact. Unfortunately, many nonprofits still struggle to unlock its full potential.

How Nonprofits Can Maximize Event Data to Power Fundraising Success
Fundraising events are more than just one-night wins. They’re long-term growth opportunities. But to truly capitalize on their potential, nonprofits need to think beyond ticket sales and auction proceeds. The real power lies in the data.

Nonprofit Events in 2025: Why In-Person and Hybrid Events Are the Smartest Investment This Year
After years of virtual galas and Zoom-based fundraising, the nonprofit event landscape has entered a new era. It’s one defined by the undeniable power of personal connection. If your organization is looking to not only meet but exceed fundraising goals this year, it’s time to rethink how you approach event strategy.

Why Data Is the Secret Weapon of Smarter Fundraising
When you think of fundraising, you might imagine compelling appeals, big galas, or heartfelt thank-you notes. But behind every successful campaign is something less glamorous but even more powerful: data.

Giving That Goes Further: The Case for Inclusive, Community-Led Fundraising
Fundraising has always been about more than dollars. It’s about people, values, and the power of generosity to transform lives. But in today’s fractured world, it's time to ask ourselves a deeper question: how can nonprofit professionals use our work to build a more inclusive and equitable culture of giving?

Why Direct Mail Still Matters in Nonprofit Fundraising and Stewardship in 2025
In 2025, the marketing landscape is more digital than ever. Nonprofits are navigating a world full of emails, social ads, and text campaigns. Each offers speed, efficiency, and affordability. It’s no surprise that many organizations are feeling pressure from boards and executives to trim direct mail from the budget. But here’s the bottom line: cutting direct mail may save dollars today, but it can cost your nonprofit much more tomorrow.

From Data to Donors: How Nonprofits Use Julep to Build Smarter Fundraising Mailings
When a nonprofit launches a fundraising campaign, sending out a mailing isn’t just about printing letters. It’s about making meaningful connections. At Julep, we understand that behind every successful appeal is smart data management. That means maintaining clean, accurate, and segmented donor information that helps your organization raise more while spending less.

DAFs Are Reshaping Philanthropy. Here’s How Nonprofits Can Stay Ahead.
The fundraising landscape has never been static but one recent shift has been impossible to ignore: the explosive growth of donor-advised funds (DAFs). These used to be niche vehicles reserved for high-net-worth individuals and family foundations and have gone mainstream. With billions in charitable assets sitting in DAFs across the country, it’s fair to ask: are DAFs a fleeting trend, or are they the next pillar of fundraising strategy?

Smart HR and Staffing Strategies for Nonprofits
Nonprofits are powered by people—their passion, creativity, and dedication. While mission statements may capture the purpose of an organization, it’s the staff and volunteers who bring that purpose to life. But with limited resources, rising costs, and increasing demands, nonprofit leaders face unique challenges when it comes to HR and staffing.

Graphic Design That Drives Action: Standards Every Nonprofit Should Follow
Let’s face it, design can feel intimidating if it’s not your background. But here’s the thing: your nonprofit’s design isn’t just about looking polished. It plays a big role in whether people trust your organization, understand your message, and feel compelled to act.

Capital Campaigns for Every Nonprofit: How to Maximize Success in the Modern Fundraising Era
Capital campaigns aren’t just for higher education or multi-million-dollar hospital systems. Today, organizations of all sizes, from grassroots groups to growing community nonprofits, are launching ambitious campaigns to fund buildings, endowments, and bold new programs. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either planning your first capital campaign or thinking about how to make your next one better. Wherever you are in the capital campaign journey, let’s talk strategy.

How to Host a Successful Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Event
Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising is a popular method for nonprofits to raise money and expand their donor base. This approach allows organizations to tap into their supporters' personal networks to leverage social networks to drive engagement and increase donations. In this post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of this fundraising strategy, explore recent research on its effectiveness, and walk you through the steps to plan and execute a successful P2P fundraising campaign.

The Ultimate Guide to Winning and Managing Grants for Your Nonprofit
With over 87,000 grantmaking foundations in the United States, the potential for securing funds to fuel your nonprofit’s mission is vast. With individual fundraising up and down over the last few years, it’s important to diversify funding streams. That’s where grants come in.

Keeping Your Nonprofit’s Data Clean: A Guide to Better Fundraising and Donor Relationships
Data might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about nonprofit success, but it should be high on the list. Clean, organized, and up-to-date donor data is the foundation of strong relationships, effective fundraising, and meaningful impact measurement.

Protecting Good Deeds: Cybersecurity for Nonprofits
For nonprofits, the mantra “do more with less” defines everyday operations. Whether juggling tight budgets, limited staff, or a growing list of priorities, nonprofits focus on one critical goal: advancing their mission. But there’s a growing threat that can derail these efforts—cyberattacks.

How to Fundraise in Uncertain Times When Federal Funding Is at Risk
Federal grants have long been a lifeline for nonprofits, supporting vital programs in healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. But with shifting political priorities, administrative changes, and budget cuts, nonprofits can no longer rely solely on government funding.

Volunteers Are More Than Helpers. They’re the Heart of Nonprofit Success.
The nonprofit world is evolving, but not all trends are positive. Declining donors and volunteer rates signal a crisis for organizations that depend on community support to achieve their missions. While new forms of altruism are emerging, traditional volunteering and charitable giving remain essential for building strong communities and lasting relationships.

Digital Accessibility for Nonprofits: Why It Matters and How to Get Started
Did you know that over 26% of Americans live with a disability? Yet, many nonprofits unintentionally exclude this significant audience by overlooking digital accessibility. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, your digital presence is a lifeline to connect with donors, volunteers, and clients. But is your nonprofit truly inclusive?